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Published on: August 18, 2014
Effects of developmental perfluorooctane sulfonate exposure on spatial learning and memory ability of rats and
Yu Wang1, Wei Liu1, Qian Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
Insights
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure impairs cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in developing rats, with prenatal exposure posing the highest risk. This study highlights the detrimental effects of PFOS on learning and memory.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent environmental contaminant.
- PFOS exposure is linked to various health concerns, but its impact on cognitive development requires further investigation.
- Synaptic plasticity is crucial for learning and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of developmental PFOS exposure on cognitive function in rats.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms related to synaptic plasticity.
- To assess the impact of prenatal versus postnatal PFOS exposure.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to PFOS (0, 5, 15 mg/L) during gestation and lactation.
- Offspring were exposed prenatally and/or postnatally via cross-fostering.
- Spatial learning and memory were assessed, and hippocampal gene/protein expression related to synaptic plasticity was analyzed.
Main Results:
- PFOS exposure significantly reduced spatial learning and memory abilities in offspring.
- Prenatal PFOS exposure showed the most pronounced negative effects.
- PFOS exposure decreased protein levels of synaptic plasticity markers (e.g., GAP-43, NCAM1, NGF, BDNF) but increased their mRNA levels, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation.
Conclusions:
- Developmental PFOS exposure poses a high risk to cognitive function, particularly through prenatal exposure.
- PFOS-induced cognitive decline is associated with impaired synaptic plasticity.
- Findings underscore the neurodevelopmental toxicity of PFOS.
Abstract:
The present study aims to explore the effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on cognitive function in developing rats and the underlying mechanism associated with synaptic plasticity. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed with 0, 5, and 15 mg/L of PFOS via drinking water during gestation and lactation. Offspring were exposed to PFOS on prenatal and/or postnatal days by cross-fostering. Spatial learning and memory abilities were tested from postnatal day (PND) 35. We also analyzed the expression pattern of the synaptic plasticity-related genes and proteins in the hippocampus on PND7 and PND35. Results revealed that PFOS exposure reduced the spatial learning and memory abilities of the offspring, particularly of those with prenatal exposure. Meanwhile, protein levels of growth-associated protein-43, neural cell adhesion molecule 1, nerve growth factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor decreased on PND35, which are involved in the formation of synaptic plasticity. In contrast, significant increase in gap-43, ncam1, and bdnf genes on the mRNA level was observed on PND7, possibly due to the post-transcriptional mechanism. Results of both behavioral effects and molecular endpoints suggested the high risk of prenatal PFOS exposure. The decline of spatial learning and memory abilities induced by developmental PFOS exposure was closely related to synaptic plasticity.
